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Sentencing delayed in Turlock murder

Nicholas Harris

A sentencing hearing for a Turlock man convicted of murder in the stabbing death of a 25-year-old man, has been delayed to December.

Nicholas Harris, 27, was scheduled for sentencing Thursday but it was delayed until Dec. 9. Harris’ defense is planning an appeal of the jury’s verdict that found Harris guilty of second-degree murder and arson for the death of Mark Henson in August 2008. The same jury also ruled Harris was sane at the time of the crime.

Harris was convicted of murder for the 2008 stabbing of Henson on Bennington Avenue in Turlock. The Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office alleged Harris went after Henson because he believed Henson was harassing his girlfriend. Harris found Henson asleep in a car. Henson was stabbed repeatedly and after he broke free from Harris and ran for help his car was set on fire. Henson died from multiple stab wounds.

Harris is facing a maximum sentence of 19 years to life. In September Harris was warned by a Stanislaus County Superior Court judge that his behavior while in custody at the Stanislaus County Jail, could have a bearing on his sentencing.

A probation report for Harris states he has had multiple reprimands for misconduct, including possession of contraband and another person’s property while in custody. The report also accuses Harris of assaulting other inmates and throwing excrement or bodily fluids at another person.